Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the dining room.
Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella "a la Valenciana," Roast Pork "a la Cubana,"and fresh seafood specialties. Don’t miss Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad®, prepared with our delicious, freshly-made dressing, a 100-year-old family recipe of fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar and Spanish extra virgin olive oil.
Be sure to sample a fine Spanish wine like Montecillo or Campillo. Relax outdoors on our patio, or inside our Mediterranean-style dining rooms filled with hand-painted tiles and family heirlooms.
We are a sister to the Columbia in Tampa's Ybor City, founded in 1905. Children's menu available. Open 365 days a year, including all holidays.
Support Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota during COVID-19
Safety precautions
- Common areas deep cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
Popular dishes
Columbia's Original "1905" Salad
The Columbia's legendary salad tossed at your table. Crisp Iceberg lettuce with julienne of baked ham, natural Swiss cheese, tomato, olives, grated Romano cheese and our famous garlic dressing. The award-winning salad won honors from USA Today as "One of 10 Great Places to Make a Meal Out of a Salad." The signature salad, named for the year the restaurant was founded in Tampa's Latin district of Ybor City, was inspired by immigrants to the Cigar City: Romano cheese from the Sicilians and the famous garlic dressing used by Cubans to marinate fresh roast pork, plus Florida tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, julienne of baked ham and Swiss cheese. In the 40s, Tony Noriega, who ventured to New York City during the Depression to find work, added a "secret ingredient," Worcestershire sauce, to the recipe.
277 reviews
Cuban Black Bean Soup
Frijoles Negros prepared exactly as our grandmother, Carmen Hernandez, did. Served over a bed of white rice and topped with diced raw Spanish onions. 100% vegetarian.
25 reviews
Cuban Sandwich
30 reviews
we are regulars. Food was average. Service was very slow and uncoordinated.
Amazing ambience, service, and food. The Grouper Jimmy was the best thing I ever had. Try the bread pudding. Outstanding.
Great food and atmosphere. We done at the Columbia every time we travel to the area.
Menu changed. They got rid of the best soup they had. There were half dead flies all inside the indoor dining area. Service was slow. They made one of us put on a long sleeve shirt because he was wearing a tank top but we saw 3 females with tank tops eating inside, no problem. Manager was asked about the different policy for women versus men and came up with some story about how traditional family ownership wanted the business to be run and how they used to require jackets.
Delicious Sunday Brunch. Crowded but managed well by staff. Visit to table by manager to ensure everything was to our expectation. Food was delicious. Great table on the patio. Will be back again soon!
As always, the food and service was outstanding. 1905 salad, stuffed grouper and shrimp, white and red sangria, coupled with a patio seat and Jason running the show made for a great evening. We look forward to coming back soon when they are back to full menu.
On vacation and couldn’t miss going to Columbia for dinner. The 1905 salad is the best. Make sure you try the sangria as well.
We took our grandson and his wife ..we loved it so much we are thinking on having our 50 the anniversary dinner there with the family..still have two years to go...
Food was good, not great. Drinks were horrible - my husband’s beer was warm, and the red sangria might have been the worst I’ve ever had. Ambiance was nice and service was good.
1905 Salad was awesome as usual. Not a fan of either appetizers we ordered. The black beans and rice very good. We have a great table outside and enjoyed people watching on the sidewalk. Mojito was very good! Hit the spot!
the food aand service was excellent. the salad being prepared at the table was fantastic . management came by to check on our overall thoughts about our visit. couldn't have been more enjoyable.
Columbia has always been one of our favorite restaurants in Sarasota. The 1905 salad is my favorite salad of any kind. They recently redid their menu. The selections are good, however, I miss the stuffed pepper tapas and the Pompano in parchment paper, We've been twice in the last few weeks and I noticed the bread is not as hot as it used to be.
The bar was not using anejo as advertised. I watched the bartender mix the margarita and questioned him, so he mixed me another with reposado saying anejo was unavailable due to COVID. The waitress served me silver instead of reposado and said she did not understand. All charges were for anejo on the bill. A wine we ordered was never served. Appetizers were great, main courses used cheap overspiced meat.
Our table was ready soon after our time. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Our meal was very good and it was a good value for the food we received.
A group of us had a wonderful lunch on a Friday afternoon, the arrangements to reserve a table and be notified when it was ready we're electronic and perfect. Our waiter Ryan was extremely helpful, very very knowledgeable of the food offerings and gave us great service. The bathroom was crowded but perfectly kept we went into the gift store and it's always a Charming experience. The noise level was high for those who might be affected by it and the crowd was happy and excited. Definitely a favored yearly occurrence
The food was very good and they had a great selection. Reservations were easy to make and service was good
The experience is good, food very average for the price. My buddy was raving about but I thought it was just average.
I lived in Tampa for 12 years and fell in love with the Cuban food at the Columbia in Ybor city!!! Now living in Naples, the Sarasota restaurant is the one closest to me now!!! I miss the food!!! The food is always authentic and served with a smile!!! Will be back many many times!!!! 1905 salad is delicious!!!
The Columbia is a must do for us whenever we visit the area. After shopping at St. Armand’s Circle, it’s food and drinks are an excellent choice. The White Sangria and 1905 Martinis were refreshing while its signature salad and steak sandwich were tasty. Many choices from the menu. Service by Richard was excellent! Looking for Spanish, this a must go.
Have been to your restaurant numerous times and we enjoy it very much. My only negative comment is your reservation/ check system is very stressed. I realize the pandemic has made things difficult but my last 2 experiences have been less than ideal. Recently we came without a reservation and put our
We love this restaurant but not so much tonight. It is always busy for dinner but service has always been attentive. Not tonight. We waited a long time for our waiter. Usually the bread comes out quickly but everything was very slow tonight and when my dinner arrived, it was cold. That has never happened before. So, I was disappointed. I hope this is not a trend but an aberration.
We always have a great time at this restaurant and we always order the 1905 salad and the blackbean soup. It's well worth eating here and we always enjoy the atmosphere.
The food was great as usual and our server Lisa was fabulous!
Wonderful, consistently delicious food. Our favorite restaurant in the area.
Birthday, fun but some choices toooo sauced.. delicious 1905 salad and baked bread....chicken and ribeye choices were very good.
Still on a limited menu, although it's pretty extensive anyway.
Great, fun place to taste authentic Cuban food! It’s wonderful!
Wonderful as always!!! One of the best places to eat in Sarasota!
Wonderful!
Always the best
The restaurant was crazy busy. The service was good but the food is just average
A famous restaurant in Sarasota- a restaurant that lives off its reputation versus the quality of its food. Very average food and not worth the hype. If they don’t improve then give it some time snd the place will go under.
It’s nice to go to a Restaurant that has such Great Authentic Cuban, Spanish Food. That they haven’t changed the level of Quality.
Probably should open another one in Bradenton or in Anna Maria, it’s just too crowded
Haven’t been back in a year due to COVID. As always, truly delicious!! Sat outside with our dogs. Waiter and sparking sangria were outstanding! Thanks for an amazing afternoon.
Server could have been more attentive. We had to ask another to help out.
Great dining experience! Love the mojito. Were very pleased to be seated as we requested. Our waitress, Lissa G.,
was excellent and was a sparkling personality. We'll be back!
This is always a favorite spot of ours to eat when visiting Sarasota or Clearwater. We have enjoyed every selection from the menu.
Service is always excellent and the tables were nicely distanced from each other. Thumbs up from us.
Always a great meal at Columbia on St. Armands! Delicious food, generous portions and excellent service!!
This was our fifth time at this restaurant (first time since the pandemic). They tried to keep the crowds down in the restaurant. We came for their fabulous "brown rice" but unfortunately there had not added it back to the menu (not a fan of the yellow rice). Although they were extremely busy, we did not feel rushed. Service was fantastic as always from the hostess, bar to the wait staff!
Columbia never lets down. Whether it be Ybor, St.Augustine, Tampa Airport, or Sarasota the quality is always there and consistent. When the Mojitos start flowing as they start putting that amazing 1905 salad together right at your table side you know you are in for a treat. We like to try new things off of the menu all the time, however when it comes to lunch we always get stuck on the half and half. This time was half an amazing Cuban sandwich, and the Spanish bean soup. And of course for something new was the Shrimp and Yellow Rice. All said and done in the last 20 years I have eaten at the Columbia I have never had a bad experience.
FAQs
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (941) 388-3987.
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota is rated 4.5 stars by 5168 OpenTable diners.
Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota does offer gift cards which you can purchase here https://mgd.mercury-gift.com/columbiarestaurant.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. Due to local restrictions, this restaurant may not be accepting reservations at the moment.